This surname was a baptismal name 'the son of Alwin'. The name has been common in England and Scotland since the 13th century. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. Early records of the name mention William Alisun, who was documented in the year 1248 in County Berkshire. Edward Allysone was recorded in County Yorkshire in 1273. Henry Alleyson, was documented in the year 1332, in the County of Warwickshire. Patrick Alissone de Counte de Bercwyk, was one of the first to be recorded in Scotland in the year 1296. William Alison of Yorkshire, was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax of 1379.

Thomas Alysson was the rector of Melton Constable in County Norfolk in the year 1447. Peter Alesoun was a charter witness in Brechin in 1490. Gabriel Alason was the bailie of the burgh of Dumfries in the year 1693. Ellesone Tayis was documented in Lanarkshire in 1566. Mary, daughter of Abraham Allyson was baptised at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in 1590. Leonard Allensone and Christine Stavelly were married in London in the year 1617. William Alleson and Elizabeth Broomer were married at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in 1618.

This was the name of the wife of the Emperor Otto the Great, St. Adelaide (or Alice) who died in the year 999. It was also the name of the goose in medieval beast tales. The name fell out of use as a personal name in the 16th and 17th centuries, being revived again in the 19th century.